LoveItIfWeBeatU Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11662_3910325,00.html Newcastle 2008-09 preview Is another soap opera season in store for the Magpies? It is fair to say that life at St James' Park is far from dull and as Newcastle United brace themselves for a new campaign it looks like we will be treated to another season of highs and lows. The Magpies are never shy of creating a story and although the young at heart will point to the drama of Byker Grove, it would appear television executives have missed a trick in failing to base a soap opera on Tyneside. Last term continued the theme for throwing up the unexpected as former manager Sam Allardyce departed in January with supporters displaying almost as much gratitude as the rest of us show to the above named children's TV series for launching the careers of Ant and Dec. Prior to kick-off last year, there were murmurs floating around the North East that Allardyce was the man to bring to an end a 53-year wait for a domestic trophy, but as Newcastle loitered above the relegation zone shortly after Christmas the former Bolton boss paid the price and that, of course, brought about the return of Kevin Keegan. The Geordie Messiah is a Newcastle legend, as this writer found out to his cost on a social outing to region when an ill-advised, 'King Kev, I'm not so sure...' taxi seat opinion was offered, resulting in a barracking from an emotional driver and a severely lightened wallet following a dubiously hefty fare. But they do say never go back, and that looked like it was the case as Newcastle continued to limp along under Keegan, who resisted the urge to invest heavily in the New Year transfer window, going nine games in all competitions without a victory as if walking through a swimming pool - bundles of effort, but little movement. Renewed optimism However, four wins from their final eight Premier League games saw the Toon avoid the drop and secured a 12th-placed finish to bring about a sense of renewed optimism for Keegan's second managerial spell and the 2008/09 season. Newcastle, though, as has been established, do not do things by halves and frustrating summer months have been endured with new faces in short supply and opinions raging over Joey Barton's 74 days in Strangeways, while the midfielder has also been handed a Football Association violent conduct charge for his misdemeanour at ex-club Manchester City. Keegan was expected to overhaul his inherited squad this close-season, but there have been only three signings in Argentine winger Jonas Gutierrez, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Guthrie and Metz defender Sebastien Bassong (don't worry, I didn't say Boumsong). David Rozehnal, Peter Ramage, Stephen Carr and James Troisi have all left as Keegan demonstrates he holds a ruthless side, although rumours linking the club with Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos suggest a kind-hearted nature remains. With Pablo Aimar, Aaron Lennon and Dean Ashton all offered as possible transfer targets in a pre-season which has seen Newcastle hit by a string of injuries, Guthrie's entrance may appear a strange one, but a deficiency in a holding midfielder was a weakness last season as an ageing Nicky Butt and an uncomfortable Alan Smith wrestled with the role. Elsewhere, Newcastle have focused their attentions on ensuring star assets remain at the club and securing centre-back Steven Taylor's signature on a new three-year contract will be a major boost to a defence which leaked 65 league goals last term, while hopes are high that England striker Michael Owen will soon put pen-to-paper. Passionate support Newcastle undoubtedly possess all that is necessary to again become a major Premier League force; a high-profile manager, passionate support (taxi drivers and all), a large and beautiful stadium, and a talented squad. But the club appears to enjoy pressing the self-destruct button. Shay Given is a top class goalkeeper and Taylor would be welcomed into the ranks of any of the Premier League's 'big four', while James Milner, Damien Duff, Geremi and Charles N'Zogbia ooze talent in midfield. In attack, the quality of Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka, who is not expected to be fit until September, cannot be questioned, while Owen, another pre-season injury victim, is also a class act and at least one of the forwards should guarantee 15 league goals - if they can avoid further time on the physio's table. But many members of the Newcastle squad have flattered to deceive, often against the league's 'lesser' opponents, and this is perhaps the major reason why Keegan, a master in motivation and man-management, was reappointed. The lack of significant signings, though, is alarming as Newcastle's squad is not one of the largest. Deportivo La Coruna defender Fabricio Coloccini is in advanced discussions, but the limited transfer activity and reports of two prospective club buyers - Indian business tycoon Anil Ambani, and the Singapore-based Profitable Group - raises questions over the long-term commitment of the current board. A few optimists may insist Newcastle should be competing in Europe, but with a gap to Everton and Aston Villa existing from last season that not even the Tyne Bridge could straddle, and with the likes of Tottenham, Manchester City and Portsmouth reinforcing, Keegan appears to have his hands full. The former England boss faces a tricky task in improving and a 17th August Old Trafford kick-off will not have been high on any wish-lists, but a top-half finish may not be out of reach, while a decent cup run could offer a sparkle of hope in the desperate desire to end that long wait for silverware. MAGPIES FACTBOX Star Man: Michael Owen. Written off more times than Gordon Brown, but the England international is a class act and, if he can maintain match fitness, he will guarantee goals. One to Watch: Danny Guthrie. His signing raised a few eyebrows, but the 21-year-old impressed at the start of last season while on loan at Bolton and Keegan's gamble could pay-off. Manager: Kevin Keegan. A master in man-management, but also in drama. The former England boss is impossible to predict and do not be surprised to see a few sensational headlines. INS: Jonas Gutierrez (Real Mallorca), Danny Guthrie (Liverpool), Sebastien Bassong (Metz) OUTS: Peter Ramage (QPR), Stephen Carr (released), David Rozehnal (Lazio), James Troisi (released), Emre (Fenerbahce) Best signing: Jonas Gutierrez Sky Bet Odds: 400-1 Likely top scorer: Michael Owen Possible best XI (Given, Beye, Taylor, Bassong, Jose Enrique, Milner, Smith, Guthrie, Gutierrez, Martins, Owen) Predicted finish: 10th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
morgs Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 in 4-4-2 setanta did predictions and reckon we will finish 12 th below boro. i personally reckon boro will finish 17th and we will finsish 8th. boro are a lot weaker than last season Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Icke - Son of God Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Given, Beye, Faye, Coloccini, Enrique, Guiterrez, Guthrie, N'Zogbia, Martins, Viduka and Owen is easily our best XI Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest neesy111 Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 thats the a fucking joke of an article, sounded like some1 who didn't have a clue what they we're talking about Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliottman Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 dont really pay a lot of attention to these things. Its one blokes opinion at the end of the day. And, like highlighted this guy obviously knows nothing about - having Smith in our strongest 11. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mikefin Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Given, Beye, Faye, Coloccini, Enrique, Guiterrez, Guthrie, N'Zogbia, Martins, Viduka and Owen is easily our best XI Take N'Zogbia out and put Damien Duff in, then you're right. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
relámpago blanco Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Bassong?? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mowen Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 thats the a fucking joke of an article, sounded like some1 who didn't have a clue what they we're talking about What's so bad about it? Apart from the predicted team, that is. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest loonietoonie Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 We will just have to prove them wrong on the pitch eh lads. I'm happy they think this and when we finish higher we can be the ones laughing at their s**** predictions. T Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Syrette Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Bassong? Smith? Taylor? What are they on about? None of them should be in our best starting 11. That article also reckons that "Taylor would be welcomed into the ranks of any of the Premier League's 'big four'". Safe to say I've seen better articles about us. Clueless is the word. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belfast Boy Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 I know its a struggle to read through, but I can't believe no one has picked up on the Taylor comment yet. Now I am actually a fan of Taylor but "Taylor would be welcomed into the ranks of any of the big four" is maybe pushing it a bit! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gash Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 These are alot of crap! Rosicky isnt in Arsenal's best 11 on it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shak Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Given, Beye, Faye, Coloccini, Enrique, Guiterrez, Guthrie, N'Zogbia, Martins, Viduka and Owen is easily our best XI Take N'Zogbia out and put Damien Duff in, then you're right. Is he fuck. Duff should play up front if he's getting a game at all, and with Martins, Owen and Viduka already in the team I'm not sure Duff fits. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theregulars Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Man's clearly just followed the press madness of our club as a looney bin. With Sky claiming Coloccini already has a number, it's clear that he's here, not in advanced discussions - Keegan today talked about monitoring him in training for crying out loud. Although he is right to point out our squad on paper is very talented but doesn't seem to deliver. Then again, the sentence "a midfield that oozes talent" with Geremi included makes me laugh. A lot. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ObaStar Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 People seem to forget that we only finished 12th last year because we started so bad with SA. Loosing to derby, drawing to boro etc. After keegan took over and got settled our form guide was in the top 5 in the prem. Last year before the season started we were being tipped for 6th by a lot of people. 10th is really underestimating us especially as Man City are about to implode. We can make top 7-8 im sure of it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
QBG Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 People seem to forget that we only finished 12th last year because we started so bad with SA. Loosing to derby, drawing to boro etc. After keegan took over and got settled our form guide was in the top 5 in the prem. Last year before the season started we were being tipped for 6th by a lot of people. 10th is really underestimating us especially as Man City are about to implode. We can make top 7-8 im sure of it. There were alot of dropped points last season in close games, which many people seem to forget. E.g Boro Home and Away Derby Home (Ok, I know we were awful ) and Chelsea away when we got robbed there, games like that make a difference when it comes to final standings. However, hindsight doesn't exist in the press. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pinkeye Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 The Magpies are never shy of creating a story and although the young at heart will point to the drama of Byker Grove' date=' it would appear television executives have missed a trick in failing to base a soap opera on Tyneside[/quote'] Surely that should read "The media have never been shy of creating fairy tales" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pinkeye Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 People seem to forget that we only finished 12th last year because we started so bad with SA. Loosing to derby, drawing to boro etc. After keegan took over and got settled our form guide was in the top 5 in the prem. Last year before the season started we were being tipped for 6th by a lot of people. 10th is really underestimating us especially as Man City are about to implode. We can make top 7-8 im sure of it. We actually started quite well, I think if it hadn't been for the 17 or 18 points we had amassed by September we would have been right in the shit over the xmas period. As it was we sunk into a very dangerous position and were only saved by a late rally after the turn of the year. I can clearly remember that when we were beaten against Derby away, that was one of our games in hand over teams above us and if we had won we would have moved into the top 6 at that time. We held an unbeaten home record for quite some time as well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest neesy111 Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 People seem to forget that we only finished 12th last year because we started so bad with SA. Loosing to derby, drawing to boro etc. After keegan took over and got settled our form guide was in the top 5 in the prem. Last year before the season started we were being tipped for 6th by a lot of people. 10th is really underestimating us especially as Man City are about to implode. We can make top 7-8 im sure of it. We actually started quite well, I think if it hadn't been for the 17 or 18 points we had amassed by September we would have been right in the shit over the xmas period. As it was we sunk into a very dangerous position and were only saved by a late rally after the turn of the year. I can clearly remember that when we were beaten against Derby away, that was one of our games in hand over teams above us and if we had won we would have moved into the top 6 at that time. We held an unbeaten home record for quite some time as well. it was the fact we went 3 months (14 games) without a win ffs, if we had a won 1/3 of them, an extra 12-15 points that would of put us in the top 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pinkeye Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 Exactly. I was only saying that the decent start that we had saved us from devastation. Those 3 months without a win would have probably had us bottom 3 in January if we hadn't started the way that we did. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest neesy111 Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 Exactly. I was only saying that the decent start that we had saved us from devastation. Those 3 months without a win would have probably had us bottom 3 in January if we hadn't started the way that we did. allardyce would have been gone in november if we had made a bad start though Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pinkeye Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 Ok, he was sacked in January following the dreadful run of matches without a win. All I was saying was that without securing the 17 odd points that we did by September we would have been bottom three by that time with little chance of escape, as it was we had just about done enough to allow a decent run towards the end of the season to save us. Remember it took Keegan about 10 games to get his first win at Fulham! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Teed Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 Taylor would be welcomed into the ranks of any of the Premier League's 'big four' ... mackems.gif the mans an Idiot. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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